By Kirk Brown
Day Trips With Kids in South Carolina
There are a number of day trips during which children are certain to discover fun throughout South Carolina. Down by the coast, Myrtle
beach and Charleston are the hot spots for children. In the center of the state, Columbia hosts the popular Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, while Greenville delights upstate visitors with its downtown waterfall. Rugged hiking trails and picturesque waterfalls lure outdoor enthusiasts both young and old to the foothills and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Myrtle Beach
Children enjoy going to the beach--and there's plenty for them to like besides sand and waves in Myrtle Beach. Considered South Carolina's top tourism destination for families, Myrtle Beach is teeming with miniature golf courses, amusement parks and other child-friendly attractions. Be sure to check out the NASCAR SpeedPark and IMAX 3-D Theatre at the Broadway on the Beach complex, which also features shopping, dining, accommodations and seasonal fireworks.
Old Museum and South Carolina Aquarium
It's not surprising that history-rich Charleston is home to the first U.S. museum. The Charleston Museum, which was founded in 1773, greets visitors with another first: an outdoor replica of the Civil War-era H.L. Hunley, the first submarine that sank enemy ships. Inside, the museum features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the Low Country.
Children can get an up-close look at sea otters, fresh and saltwater fish, alligators, sharks, and a 280-pound loggerhead turtle at the South Carolina Aquarium, which overlooks Charleston Harbor. The aquarium's newest exhibit is "Penguin Planet," an interactive experience featuring four Magellanic penguins.
Cool Critters in Columbia
Koala bears, elephants, giraffes, gorillas and sea lions will vie for the attention of youngsters at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia. In addition to touring the zoo, formal gardens and natural woodlands, children can ride a pony, a train or the Endangered Species Carousel.
Watching Water Tumble
Falls Park, which includes the Liberty Bridge and the Reedy River falls, is the focal point of activity in downtown Greenville. The curved Liberty Bridge is a 355-feet-long suspension span that offers visitors an outstanding view of the falls and public gardens below. The park also includes two amphitheaters, where Shakespearean plays and other festival events are held during the summer. A walking trail leads to nearby Cleveland Park, where an outstanding playground and the small but enjoyable Greenville Zoo are located.
Mountain Parks
Nestled in the mountainous northwest corner of South Carolina, Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor fun. Each of the parks has swimming areas, boat rentals, a playground, rental cabins and a campground. In addition to numerous trails for day hikes, the two parks serve as the terminus points for the 77-mile Foothills Trail.
About the Author:
Kirk Brown is an award-winning freelance writer with two decades of diverse media experience. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he also was managing editor of an acclaimed scuba diving magazine. Brown has written scripts for more than 50 half-hour TV programs focusing on technology and health topics.
Photo Credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecatphotographer/1245805256/
